Success smiles on the brave

Meet the three men behind one of the most successful motoring businesses in Dublin.

Tony O’Leary and Peter Smith set up Precision Motors in Dun Laoghaire in 2009 after both men lost their jobs when Esmonde Motors in Stillorgan was forced to close.

Tony had been with the company for 19 years and Peter for 14.

Esmonde Motors was one of the leading Ford dealers on the Southside but the lads found their plans drastically changed when the company, despite its solid reputation and loyal customer base, closed in May 2009. The entire staff was made redundant.

The loss of their jobs might have been a devastating blow to the lads if they had allowed it to dictate their future. But, rather than a setback, it turned out to be an opportunity.

Tony and Peter realised that the only way to return to the work they loved on their own terms was to create their own business. Refusing to accept defeat and reluctant to return to lesser positions, the lads decided to take a leap of faith and start their own company. And so, in June 2009, Precision Motors was born.

If they had listened to the naysayers who advised against starting a new business in the middle of the worst recession in recent memory, Tony and Peter would still be wondering

‘what if’. Instead, they turned their lives around and things starting going their way.

They got the opportunity to purchase most of the workshop equipment, which would enable them to get their business going straight away. Initially the company operated from temporary premises, but in November 2009 they acquired a workshop and office, and started building their business.

Slowly the client base built up and through determination and hard work these two mechanics managed to turn adversity into opportunity and create a success story.

Today, three years after being made redundant Precision Motors are leading Ford specialists in diagnostics, servicing and repairs to all Ford models, including light commercial vehicles. They also cater for all other makes and models.

The business has continued to grow to the point where Tony and Peter were confident they could take on another pair of hands. And so in March 2012, another of their former Esmonde colleagues joined them.

Derek Mulvey came on board as a senior technician.

“Derek has been with us for three months now, and it’s starting to feel a little like Esmonde Motors again,

? Peter added.

“We now feel more than ever that we can provide the same dealer level of excellence for a fraction of the cost.

?

Precision Motors are at unit 3 Hermes Industrial Estate, Kill Avenue, Dun Laoghaire. Tel 01-2846492.